Automated Speed Enforcement Warnings to be Issued this Weekend in Two More Children's Safety Zones

Ticketing Begins at Cameras Near Washington and Challenger Parks

Warnings from Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras will begin to be issued this week in the Children’s Safety Zones near McGuane Park and Gage Park, while ticketing starts at cameras near Washington Park and Challenger Park.

The newly installed ASE cameras at 2513 W 55th near Gage Park and 2928 S. Halsted St. near McGuane Park will begin to issue warnings on Saturday, January 18.

The cameras at 536 E. Morgan Dr. near Washington Park and 1142 W. Irving Park Rd. near Challenger Park have completed the warning phase, and will begin issuing tickets on Sunday, January 19.

The City will start enforcement by only issuing tickets for speeders going 10 or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit. That ticket threshold will gradually be lowered going forward.

Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles travelling 6-10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles travelling 11 or more miles over the posted speed limit.

The City plans to equip Children’s Safety Zones around parks and schools with ASE cameras in an effort to increase safety and reduce speeding. Any revenue generated by the program is to be invested in critical safety initiatives including after-school, anti-violence and jobs programs; crossing guards and police officers around schools; and infrastructure improvements, such as additional signs, crosswalk markings and other traffic safety improvements.

The Children’s Safety Zones are designated within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools. The City ordinance establishing the program narrows the hours and locations of enforcement that are allowed under state law, and provides for the following:

• The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 am to 7 pm in safety zones around schools on school days (Monday through Friday); 7 am to 4 pm: 20 mph speed limit when children are present; 30 mph speed limit when no children are present 4 pm to 7 pm: 30 mph speed limit

• The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open (typically 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week) with a 30 mph speed limit.